Numbers 33:9
New International Version
They left Marah and went to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

New Living Translation
They left Marah and camped at Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees.

English Standard Version
And they set out from Marah and came to Elim; at Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

Berean Standard Bible
They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

Berean Literal Bible
And they set out from Marah and came to Elim, and at Elim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there.

King James Bible
And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.

New King James Version
They moved from Marah and came to Elim. At Elim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there.

New American Standard Bible
They journeyed from Marah and came to Elim; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

NASB 1995
They journeyed from Marah and came to Elim; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

NASB 1977
And they journeyed from Marah, and came to Elim; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there.

Legacy Standard Bible
They journeyed from Marah and came to Elim; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

Amplified Bible
They moved out from Marah and came to Elim; in Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

Berean Annotated Bible
They set out from Marah (bitter) and came to Elim (palms), where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

Christian Standard Bible
They traveled from Marah and came to Elim. There were twelve springs and seventy date palms at Elim, so they camped there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They departed from Marah and came to Elim. There were 12 springs of water and 70 date palms at Elim, so they camped there.

American Standard Version
And they journeyed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees; and they encamped there.

Contemporary English Version
Next, they camped at Elim, where there were 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees.

English Revised Version
And they journeyed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They moved from Marah and came to Elim. Elim had 12 springs and 70 palm trees, so they set up camp there.

Good News Translation
From there they went to Elim, where they camped, because there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees there.

International Standard Version
They traveled from Marah and arrived at Elim. In Elim there were twelve wells of water and 70 palm trees, so they rested there.

NET Bible
They traveled from Marah and came to Elim; in Elim there are twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees, so they camped there.

New Heart English Bible
They traveled from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees; and they camped there.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they removed from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and seventy palm-trees; and they encamped there.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

World English Bible
They traveled from Marah, and came to Elim. In Elim, there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they journey from Marah and come to Elim, and twelve fountains of waters and seventy palm trees [are] in Elim, and they encamp there.

Berean Literal Bible
And they set out from Marah and came to Elim, and at Elim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there.

Young's Literal Translation
And they journey from Marah, and come in to Elim, and in Elim are twelve fountains of waters, and seventy palm trees, and they encamp there;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will remove from Marah and will come to Elim: and in Elim twelve fountains of water, and seventy palm trees; and they will encamp there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And departing from Mara, they came into Elim, where there were twelve fountains of waters, and seventy palm trees: and there they camped.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And setting out from Marah, they arrived at Elim, where there were twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees. And they set up camp there.

New American Bible
Setting out from Marah, they came to Elim; at Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

New Revised Standard Version
They set out from Marah and came to Elim; at Elim there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they departed from Morath and came to Elim; and in Elim were twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees; and they encamped there by the water.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they picked up from Murath and they came to Alim, and in Alim there were twelve fountains of waters and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the water.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they journeyed from Marah, and came unto Elim; and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees; and they pitched there.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they departed from Picriae, and came to Aelim; and in Aelim were twelve fountains of water, and seventy palm-trees, and they encamped there by the water.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Forty-Two Journeys of the Israelites
8They set out from Pi-hahiroth and crossed through the sea, into the wilderness, and they journeyed three days into the Wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah. 9They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there. 10They set out from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.…

Cross References
They set out from Marah

Exodus 15:23-25
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) / So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” / And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,

2 Kings 2:19-22
Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.” / “Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him, / and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” …

Ruth 1:20-21
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. / I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? After all, the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me.”
and came to Elim,

Exodus 15:27
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.

Exodus 16:1
On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt, the whole congregation of Israel set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai.

Psalm 84:6-7
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools. / They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion.
where there were twelve springs

Deuteronomy 8:7
For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and fountains and springs that flow through the valleys and hills;

Psalm 107:35
He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.

Psalm 104:10
He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains.
and seventy palm trees,

Leviticus 23:40
On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willows of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.

John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,
and they camped there.

Exodus 19:2
After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

Exodus 13:20
They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.

Joshua 3:1
Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.
Exodus 15:27
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.


Treasury of Scripture

And they removed from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and three score and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.

Exodus 15:27
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Jump to Previous
Camped Elim Encamp Encamped Journey Journeyed Marah Palm Palm-Trees Pitched Removed Seventy Springs Ten Tents Threescore Trees Twelve Water Waters
Jump to Next
Camped Elim Encamp Encamped Journey Journeyed Marah Palm Palm-Trees Pitched Removed Seventy Springs Ten Tents Threescore Trees Twelve Water Waters
Numbers 33
1. The forty-two journeys of the Israelites
50. The Canaanites are to be destroyed












They set out from Marah
Marah is a location mentioned earlier in the Exodus narrative, specifically in Exodus 15:23-25. It is known for its bitter waters, which the Israelites could not drink until God instructed Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water, making it sweet. This event symbolizes God's provision and the testing of faith. The journey from Marah signifies moving from a place of bitterness and testing to a place of rest and abundance.

and came to Elim
Elim is described as an oasis in the desert, providing a stark contrast to Marah. It represents a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The name "Elim" itself suggests a place of strong trees or mighty ones, indicating a fertile and hospitable environment. This stop is significant as it shows God's provision and care for His people, offering them respite in their journey.

where there were twelve springs
The twelve springs at Elim can be seen as symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, each having its source of sustenance and refreshment. This detail emphasizes God's provision for each tribe individually, ensuring that all His people are cared for. The number twelve often represents completeness and divine order in the Bible, reinforcing the idea of God's perfect provision.

and seventy palm trees
The seventy palm trees may symbolize the seventy elders of Israel mentioned in Exodus 24:1 and Numbers 11:16. This number can also represent the nations of the world, as seen in Genesis 10, which lists seventy nations descending from Noah. The presence of the palm trees suggests a place of shade and rest, further highlighting the abundance and comfort provided by God.

and they camped there
Camping at Elim indicates a temporary but significant pause in the Israelites' journey. It is a time for rest, reflection, and preparation for the next stage of their journey to the Promised Land. This period of rest can be seen as a type of the spiritual rest found in Christ, who offers refreshment and renewal to those who follow Him. The Israelites' stay at Elim serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His provision.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Marah
A location where the Israelites encountered bitter water, which God made sweet, symbolizing His provision and care.

2. Elim
A place of rest and abundance with twelve springs and seventy palm trees, representing God's provision and blessing.

3. Israelites
The people of God, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, experiencing God's guidance and provision.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, guiding them through the wilderness under God's direction.

5. God's Provision
The overarching theme of God's care and provision for His people during their journey.
Teaching Points
God's Provision in the Wilderness
Just as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He provides for us in our times of need. Trust in His provision even when circumstances seem dire.

Rest and Refreshment in God
Elim represents a place of rest and refreshment. In our spiritual journey, we must seek times of rest in God's presence to be renewed and strengthened.

Symbolism of Numbers
The twelve springs and seventy palm trees can symbolize completeness and abundance. Reflect on how God provides abundantly in our lives.

Journey of Faith
The journey from Marah to Elim is part of the larger journey to the Promised Land. Our spiritual journey involves moving from places of bitterness to places of blessing through faith and obedience.

Community and Support
The presence of the community of Israelites at Elim reminds us of the importance of fellowship and support in our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 33:9?

2. How does Numbers 33:9 illustrate God's provision during the Israelites' journey?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' stay at Elim's springs?

4. How does Elim's oasis reflect God's faithfulness in Exodus 15:27?

5. How can we seek spiritual refreshment like the Israelites at Elim?

6. What modern-day "Elim" experiences remind us of God's care and provision?

7. What is the significance of Elim's twelve springs and seventy palm trees in Numbers 33:9?

8. How does Numbers 33:9 reflect God's provision for the Israelites?

9. Why were the Israelites led to Elim according to Numbers 33:9?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 33?

11. What is Elim's significance in the Bible?

12. What is Elim's significance in the Bible?

13. Why are many locations in Numbers 33:5-49 unidentified or disputed, casting doubt on the authenticity of this desert route?

14. Numbers 33:50-56: Why does the text insist on divinely sanctioned warfare for taking the land when later prophets and passages emphasize peace, suggesting an inconsistency in divine commands?
What Does Numbers 33:9 Mean
They set out from Marah

Marah was a place of bitter water and bitter memories. God had just turned undrinkable water into sweet (Exodus 15:23-25), teaching Israel that He could transform hardship into blessing.

• Moving on from Marah shows faith—Israel did not stay stuck in complaint but followed the pillar of cloud (Numbers 9:17).

• Every wilderness test is temporary; God’s purpose is progress (Deuteronomy 8:2).


…and came to Elim

Elim appears only a day’s journey farther (Exodus 15:27), yet it felt like another world.

• The Lord leads from trials to refreshment, proving He is both Judge and Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3).

• Elim reminds us that obedience brings us to places we could never reach by grumbling (Psalm 107:4-9).


…where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees

The details matter because God’s provision is specific and sufficient.

• Twelve springs—enough for each tribe (Genesis 49). God’s care is personal and communal at once (Matthew 6:32-33).

• Seventy palms—matching the seventy elders who would soon help Moses (Exodus 24:1) and echoing the seventy descendants of Jacob who entered Egypt (Genesis 46:27). The numbers quietly affirm that the covenant people—and their leaders—are fully covered.

• Springs and palms together picture life and shade in a barren land, pointing forward to the living water Jesus offers (John 4:14).


…and they camped there

Israel did not just pass through; they stopped long enough to rest, heal, and remember.

• Sabbath-like pauses are built into God’s roadmap (Mark 6:31).

• Camping at Elim prepared the people for the longer march to Sinai, showing that seasons of rest equip us for seasons of revelation (Exodus 19:1-2).


summary

Numbers 33:9 records more than geography. It traces a movement from bitterness to abundance, displaying God’s faithful guidance, generous provision, and wise rhythm of testing and rest. The verse invites us to trust that every Marah gives way to an Elim, where the Lord supplies exactly what His people need—and more—before leading them onward.

Verse 9. - Elim. See on Exodus 15:27.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They set out
וַיִּסְעוּ֙ (way·yis·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

from Marah
מִמָּרָ֔ה (mim·mā·rāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4785: Marah -- a bitter spring in the Sinai peninsula

and came
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Elim,
אֵילִ֑מָה (’ê·li·māh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 362: Elim -- 'terebinths', a place in the desert

where there were twelve
שְׁתֵּ֣ים (šə·têm)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

springs
עֵינֹ֥ת (‘ê·nōṯ)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and seventy
וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים (wə·šiḇ·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 7657: Seventy (a cardinal number)

palm trees,
תְּמָרִ֖ים (tə·mā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8558: Palm tree, date palm

and they camped
וַיַּחֲנוּ־ (way·ya·ḥă·nū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

there.
שָֽׁם׃ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT Law: Numbers 33:9 They traveled from Marah and came (Nu Num.)
Numbers 33:8
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